October 15, 2026 Beyond the Scale: GLP-1s, Weight Loss, and Mental Health

GLP-1 medications have rapidly changed the landscape of obesity and weight management, allowing many individuals to experience substantial weight loss after years or even decades of unsuccessful attempts. While much of the public conversation has focused on the medical benefits, risks, and physical effects of these medications, their psychological implications are only beginning to be fully understood. This webinar will bring together perspectives from endocrinology and psychology to examine the intersection of GLP-1 treatment, weight loss, eating behavior, body image, and mental health.  The program will also explore the less obvious complexities of successful weight loss: motivation and changing thought patterns around food, changes in appetite and one’s relationship with food, shifts in body image and identity, responses from family and others, expectations about how weight loss will affect emotional well-being, and concerns about maintaining changes over time or discontinuing medication. Particular attention will be given to helping viewers recognize both potential benefits and areas of vulnerability to feel better-informed in developing a sustainable and psychologically healthy relationship with their changing bodies.  Philip Kern, MD, Co-Director, Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at the University of Kentucky, will provide the medical perspective on GLP-1 medications, including their effects on appetite, metabolism, weight loss, and long-term weight management. Dr. Alexandria Pruitt, a clinical psychologist with specialized expertise in eating disorders, obesity, body image, and behavioral aspects of chronic health conditions, will discuss how profound changes in weight and eating can affect emotional well-being, identity, and an individual’s relationship with food and their body.

About the Presenters

Philip A. Kern, MD is Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of Kentucky. His current leadership positions include the directorship of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Science. In these leadership roles, Dr. Kern is involved in efforts to stimulate innovative translational science, promote development of a robust and diverse translational workforce, stimulate team science and build infrastructure that engages diverse communities and enables growth of research that impacts human health across the lifespan, with a focus on Kentucky. Dr. Kern has been continuously funded by the NIH for over 30 years, studying adipose and muscle biology and has been engaged in both basic and clinical research related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, lipid metabolism, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.

Alexandria Pruitt, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist who has committed her training and practice to helping children, adolescents, and families navigate psychological diagnoses compounded by medical complications. As a Pediatric Psychologist, she delivers evidence-based treatments to individuals, groups, and families in a compassionate and solution focused manner. She also specializes in treating perfectionism, eating disorders including Binge Eating Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Dr. Pruitt works with individuals who have complex medical conditions such as chronic pain, diabetes, migraines, GI disorders and many others. She has experience with the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, pediatric obesity, diabetes management, chronic pain or illness and fatigue syndromes.